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density

Easy Kids Earth Day Activity & More Water Density Experiments

March 13, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Earth day is a fun time to learn about our planet and I’m including water density experiments too. Also, look at my page Free Earth Science Lapbook & Unit Study Ideas.

So, we’re learning about water stratification by doing this fun skittles earth day activity.

This experiment is a fun way to learn about how water moves and how colors mix. And to ponder what happens when hot and cold mix.

Easy Kids Earth Day Activity & More Water Density Experiments

Before you get started on the activity, ask your kids about what they know about the temperature of water in a lake versus an ocean.

For example, the water at the surface may be warmer because it’s been heated by the sun.

However, the water deeper won’t be as warm because the sun doesn’t reach it.

BOOKS ABOUT EARTH SCIENCE

Too, add some of these books about earth science to your reading day.

9 Books for Kids Who Love to Read About Earth Science Topics

Add these books to your learning day to learn about various earth science topics.

The Story Book of Science (Yesterday's Classics)

The wonders of plant and animal life told with rare literary charm by Uncle Paul in conversations with three children. Besides such stories as the ants' subterranean city, the spider's suspension bridge, and the caterpillars' processing, he unlocks the mystery behind thunder and lightning, clouds and rain, the year and its seasons, and volcanoes and earthquakes. Suitable for ages 9 to 12.

Earthquakes (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

Some earthquakes are so small that you don’t even feel them, while others can make even big buildings shake. Learn why earthquakes happen, where they are most likely to occur, and what to do if one happens near you. 

Now with updated text and art, this classic picture book describes the causes and effects of earthquakes (including a tsunami). This book features rich vocabulary and fascinating cross-sections of mountains, volcanoes, and faults in the earth’s moving crust.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. The text and art were vetted by Dr. Roland Burgmann, Professor of the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

The First Book of the Earth

A republication of the 1958 book by Irene Sevrey with illustrations by Mildred Waltrip, The First Book of the Earth is an elementary level natural history book that was written during a time when children's books held a student's interest and imagination because they were "living" rather than simply based on factoids and vivid pictures. It is a wonderful introduction to the subject of geology and covers the earth as a planet in the solar system and the physics of how it circles the sun, thereby defining our days and years. It then moves on to describing the earth's origin as scientists understand it and takes up the topics of the earth's composition, its structure, molecular makeup, rock families, minerals, volcanoes and earthquakes, mountains and their formation, and how glaciers and rivers affect the shaping of the earth's surface. The book ends by briefly discussing dinosaurs and the possible aging techniques used to date the earth's age in terms of epochs or periods.

Rocks, Gems and Minerals: A Fully Illustrated, Authoritative and Easy-to-Use Guide (A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press)

This handy identification guide to the most common kinds of rocks and minerals offers concise and fascinating information on:- Physical and chemical properties- Origins and geologic significance- Gems and semiprecious stones- How to find and collect specimens

Earth: An Intimate History

Beginning with Mt. Vesuvius, whose eruption in Roman times helped spark the science of geology, and ending in a lab in the West of England where mathematical models and lab experiments replace direct observation, Richard Fortey tells us what the present says about ancient geologic processes. He shows how plate tectonics came to rule the geophysical landscape and how the evidence is written in the hills and in the stones. And in the process, he takes us on a wonderful journey around the globe to visit some of the most fascinating and intriguing spots on the planet.

The First Book of Caves

A book about caves with drawings for young readers with a vocabulary list and definition at the end.

Rocks and Minerals: A Guide of Familiar Minerals, Gems, Ores, and Rocks (A Golden Nature Guide)

A guide to familiar minerals, gems, ores, and rocks enhanced by 400 full color illustrations. Provides much geological knowledge in how to look for surface forms, rocks, minerals etc. Includes information for the searcher and an useful list of clubs and organizations. Excellent bibliography and index.

A Whale of the Wild (A Voice of the Wilderness Novel)

For Vega and her family, salmon is life. And Vega is learning to be a salmon finder, preparing for the day when she will be her family’s matriarch. But then she and her brother Deneb are separated from their pod when a devastating earthquake and tsunami render the seascape unrecognizable. Vega must use every skill she has to lead her brother back to their family. The young orcas face a shark attack, hunger, the deep ocean, and polluted waters on their journey. Will Vega become the leader she’s destined to be?

Rocks, Rivers, and the Changing Earth: A first book about geology

A living book on the living earth. Told in a conversational style, the book discusses the topics of geology and provides ideas for investigations and demonstrations of the scientific principles. Illustrated throughout, this book is a favorite as an introduction to geology for young readers. This edition includes updated science information on plate tectonics and the structure of the earth.

Next, here are some more earth day activities.

EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES

  • 8 Earth Day Facts | How to Make a Recycled Robot
  • How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables
  • How to Make a Civil War Style Upcycled Necklace | 7 Little Women Book Facts
  • Get a whole other life from your egg cartons and have a simple science lesson with an Egg Carton Sea Turtle Life Cycle Activity.
  • Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

Also, here are some facts about water density to help as you do the skittle experiment.

MORE DENSITY WATER EXPERIMENTS

  • The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids
  • Does it dissolve? 
  • Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments
  • Oil and water experiment 
  • Learn about the layers of density in this How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci activity.
  • How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity Free Shark Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
Easy Kids Earth Day Activity & More Water Density Experiments

And look at some facts about water stratification.

WHAT IS WATER STRATIFICATION

Water stratification happens when water forms layers based on temperature.

Hot water is lighter than cold water.

When water is heated by the sun, it becomes less dense and wants to float on top of cooler, denser water.

This is why oceans, lakes, and even swimming pools have layers of water that are different temperatures.

Finally, look at this fun skittles activity to celebrate earth day with a science twist.

HOW TO DO A SKITTLES EARTH DAY EXPERIMENT

Supplies:

  • Blue and green Skittles (found in Berry Skittles)
  • Plate (with a raised edge)
  • ¼ -½ C warm water

First, gather all the supplies needed.

Easy Kids Earth Day Activity & More Water Density Experiments

Add blue and green Skittles around the edge of the plate.

Easy Kids Earth Day Activity & More Water Density Experiments

And in the middle of the plate, make some green land formations.

Easy Kids Earth Day Activity & More Water Density Experiments

Carefully add warm water to the center of the plate.

Easy Kids Earth Day Activity & More Water Density Experiments

Add only enough to cover the bottom of the Skittles.

Easy Kids Earth Day Activity & More Water Density Experiments

Enjoy as the earth appears!

*Try different sugar-coated candies

*Try with cold water or hot water!

  • Why do the colors spread? Because of the sugar coating!

The sugar and food coloring dissolve into the warm water and then spread through the water.

  • Why don’t the colors mix? Water stratification!

Each Skittle has sugar and food coloring which are made up of different masses with different properties.

That creates a barrier that stops the colors from mixing.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: density, earth day, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, science, water

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

February 13, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re doing an easy sink or float orange density experiment for kids. Also, look at my page 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more activities.

The sink or float orange density experiment is an easy activity that helps kids grasp important science concepts in a hands-on way.

Plus, it’s a hands-on way to introduce other scientific methods like predicting, testing, observing, and analyzing results.

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

After the experiment, your child should be able to understand that the density of an object determines whether it floats or sinks.

But what is density? First, talk about the misconception that that heavy things sink and light things float.

There must be something more to sinking and floating than size or weight.

So density means the relationship between the mass of the substance and how much space it takes up (volume).

PHYSICAL SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at the books for kid about physical science.

10 Books About Physical Science

Physical science varies in topic. It can cover states of matter, forces and motion like push and pull, forms of energy like simple circuits, light and sound to earth and space.

What Is the World Made Of?: All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Can you make an ice cube disappear? Put it on a hot sidewalk. It melts into water and then vanishes! The ice cube changes from solid to liquid to gas. This Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book is a fascinating exploration of the three states of matter. This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, uses simple, fun diagrams to explain the difference between solids, liquids, and gases. This book also includes a find out more section with experiments designed to encourage further exploration and introduce record keeping.

Matter: Physical Science for Kids

In Matter: Physical Science for Kids, kids ages 5 to 8 explore the definition of matter and the different states of matter, plus the stuff in our world that isn’t matter, such as sound and light! In this nonfiction picture book, children are introduced to physical science through detailed illustrations paired with a compelling narrative that uses fun language to convey familiar examples of real-world science connections. By recognizing the basic physics concept of matter and identifying the different ways matter appears in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and
laboratories

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why is gallium (Ga, 31) the go-to element for laboratory pranksters?The Periodic Table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, betrayal, and obsession. These fascinating tales follow every element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, and in the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. The Disappearing Spoon masterfully fuses science with the classic lore of invention, investigation, and discovery.

Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library)

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.

Michael Faraday: Father of Electronics

Charles Ludwig retells Michael Faraday’s remarkable life story in fictionalized form. Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.

Junior Science Book of Electricity

Book about electricity for children.

Energy Makes Things Happen

Did you know that energy comes from the food you eat? From the sun and wind? From fuel and heat? You get energy every time you eat. You transfer energy to other things every time you play baseball.

Waves: Principles of Light, Electricity and Magnetism (The Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a prism turns ordinary sunlight into a rainbow? Isaac Newton knew why. How can a magnet be used to generate electricity? Michael Faraday could have told you. Can you explain how a toaster toasts bread? In this book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws that describe how waves behave. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of light, electricity and magnetism in a fun, exciting way.

Liquids and Gases: Principles of Fluid Mechanics (Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a 10-tonne boat floats but a tiny pebble sinks? Archimedes knew why. How does a basketball or tennis ball bounce? Robert Boyle could have described how! Can you explain why a hot-air balloon rises but a balloon you blow up drops to the ground? To answer these questions and many more, author Paul Fleisher explains the laws that define how and why liquids and gases behave the way they do. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics in a fun, exciting way.

Marbles,Roller Skates,Doorknob

Explains the concepts of simple and complex machines and mechanical advantage, and describes how wheels, including gears and ball bearings, work

Also, look at some activities about physical science and density experiments for kids.

MORE PHYSICAL SCIENCE & DENSITY EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS

  • Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten
  • Hot and Cold Water Density Experiment
  • Learn about the layers of density in this How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci activity.
  • Skittle Density Experiment
  • How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity Free Shark Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
  • Density Experiment for Kids
The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

Finally, look at this easy sink or float orange density experiment for kids.

ORANGE SINK OR FLOAT EXPERIMENT

First, look at this easy list of supplies for the wow factor.

  • 2 mandarin or naval oranges
  • 2 containers. Use glass for better visibility.
  • water

First, gather all supplies needed.

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

Fill both containers with water but leave room at the top to prevent them from overflowing when the oranges are introduced.

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

Peel one orange and leave the other orange unpeeled.

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

Then place the unpeeled orange in one container.

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

Place the peeled orange into the other container.

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

What are the results?

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

Why does this happen?

When an orange is placed in water with the peel still on it will float.

It floats because the peel has air pockets making it less dense than the water.

Imagine the peel as a little lifejacket for the orange.

A peeled orange will sink because the peel is removed making the orange denser than the water.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: density, earth science, earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, oranges, science

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